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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed that the US State Department has approved the possible sale of Volcano anti-tank munition-laying systems to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US.
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Estimated at US$180 million, the possible purchase is also projected to include:
- M977A4 HEMTT 10-tonne cargo trucks;
- M87A1 anti-tank munitions;
- M88 canister training munitions;
- M89 training munitions;
- Logistics support packages, spare parts, tool kits and technical manuals;
- A permanently mounted Volcano system on an M977A4 HEMTT truck;
- Integration and testing support, and operator and maintenance training;
- Site surveys and maintenance evaluations;
- Quality assurance and diesel service representatives.
The principal contractors for the sale will be Northrop Grumman for the munition canister mines and Oshkosh Corporation for the M977Ae HEMTT vehicles.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the weapons sale supports the Unites States’ national, economic and security interests by supporting the advancement of the Taiwanese armed forces.
It is not expected that the sale of the equipment will alter the military balance in the region.
The sale will not alter the US military’s readiness, the DSCA confirmed.
In September, the agency announced the approval of two separate proposed purchases of AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II and AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles to Taiwan for a combined US$440.6 million (AU$649 million).
The Harpoon deal, worth US$355 million (AU$523 million), includes the provision of four ATM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II exercise missiles and related equipment and technical assistance.
“This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the DSCA statement read.
“The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.”
The Boeing-built Harpoon missiles would be deployed to support the modernisation of Taiwan’s military, providing a “flexible solution to augment existing surface and air defences”.
Specifically, the missiles would be used to counter or deter maritime aggression, coastal blockades, and amphibious assaults.
“This equipment will contribute to the recipient’s goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies,” the DSCA added.
Meanwhile, the proposed sale of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles, worth approximately $85.6 million (AU$126.1 million), includes four AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units and related equipment and technical assistance.
The Raytheon-built Sidewinder missiles are expected to enable Taiwan to counter or deter offensive air-based threats.
[Related: Has Washington changed its tune on Taiwan?]
